Update: I was unfortunately not aware of Shamus Young's severe criticism of Fallout 3 available here to link in the original piece and I regret that. It dovetails rather nicely with what I've written and it's much better executed than my piece. I strongly recommend anyone...

GAMING NEWS

EA Sports Launches Season Ticket Premium Membership

I always hesitate when I go to write a news post about a publisher offering any sort of online "pass". Almost every time, it pisses people off. And I really don't like to piss you off.

That's why I felt relief when I read through the details of this EA Sports Season Ticket; it's not ripping you off, and you really don't need it. It's for the most hardcore of EA Sports fans only.

I can think of a few of my buddies off the top of my head that will eat this up. They're the type that buy Madden, NHL, etc., each year religiously, no matter what the changes or improvements are.

This new EA Sports Season Ticket is now available for $24.99 for both PS3 and Xbox 360 and promises to allow the most hardcore of hardcore sports fans to "play earlier, play more, and play better". Here's what EA means by that:

Early Full-Game Digital Access: Three days before a game’s scheduled release, fans will be able to download and play the full version of all five participating titles on Xbox 360 and PS3. The digitally downloaded game will time out when the game is available at retail and consumers have the option to purchase the same full game on disc at retail. EA SPORTS Season Ticket subscribers can transfer all achievements earned during the three-day download period to the purchased disc, resulting in an early edge over the competition.

Discounted Downloadable Content: Subscribers will get a 20-percent discount on all available downloadable content for participating EA SPORTS titles. Downloadable content, which enhances and refreshes the core game experience, includes such items as Ultimate Team packs, accelerator packs and gear upgrades.

Free Premium Web Content: Premium web content extends the game experience beyond the console to a web browser. All participating titles will feature premium web content that will be free to EA SPORTS Season Ticket members beginning with the premium Creation Center packs for FIFA Soccer 12. These packs provide a deeper set of customization tools and abilities within Creation Center to build your own teams and tournaments, and will be available to the consumer until the membership to the program has expired.

Membership Recognition: Subscribers are easily identifiable with an exclusive membership recognition badge displayed both in-game and on their EASPORTS.com profile.

Not too shabby. The best part is, you don't have to buy it. It's not required to play games online... they already have a pass like that.